Modular Shelter Structure

ABSTRACT

A modular shelter structure is an apparatus that provides readily available housing for a variety of environments. The apparatus includes a shelter, a plurality of first locking mechanisms, and a plurality of second locking mechanisms. The shelter includes a floor base, a plurality of portable walls, and at least one roof panel. The floor base balances the shelter across various terrains. The plurality of portable walls surrounds the floor base and defines an interior environment with the floor base. The interior environment is enclosed with the at least one roof panel. The plurality of portable walls is attached onto the floor base with the plurality of first locking mechanisms. Similarly, the plurality of portable walls is attached onto the roof panel with the plurality of second locking mechanisms. The plurality of first locking mechanisms and the plurality of second locking mechanisms each include an inner tube and an outer sleeve.

The current application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application PCT/IB2020/056144 filed on Jun. 29, 2020. The PCT application PCT/IB2020/056144 claims a priority to the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/868,901 filed on Jun. 29, 2019.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to outdoor activities. More specifically, the present invention is a modular shelter structure that provides a temporary or a permanent inhabitable structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, there are a number of solutions for lightweight shelter which typically includes tents and canopies. Some of these solutions attempt to deliver shelter, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because they do not replicate an insulated rigid wall, roof, and flooring structure. Other solutions attempt to deliver mobile shelter but they cannot be quickly disassembled, and the overall weight and dimensions prevent easy shipping and redeployment. While other solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry because they are not able to be assembled and disassembled quickly without advanced skills and machinery. Still, other solutions seek to deliver a mobile solution but cannot be disassembled into small lightweight transport units that can be quickly assembled into a desirable finished shelter with the amenities of a home.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to serve as either a temporary or permanent inhabitable structure that someone with little to no assembly skills can assemble and disassemble quickly. Furthermore, the present invention may be relocated easily as the structure is light but more secure and shielding from weather. The present invention facilitates temporary inhabiting conditions which might be desirable for an individual seeking structure that can be sized according to the needs of the individual. The present invention is desirable for situations where a more secure and climate-controlled structure is advantageous to a tent or what other less substantial structures offer. Furthermore, the present invention is designed to include electrical facilities that are used in the way more traditional shelter provides. This structure could be desirable in such cases as disaster relief, military installations, or when additional residence space is needed. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have a device that that can be relocated when needed. Still further, it would be desirable to have a device that is quick to assemble and is very light weight but structurally strong. The disclosed device and associated method advantageously fill this need and addresses the aforementioned deficiencies by providing quick haven when needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a couple of portable walls engaged with a floor base of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom exploded view of the floor base of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top exploded view of the present invention with an at least one roof panel separated from a plurality of portable walls.

FIG. 5 is a top exploded view of a portable wall of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the present invention with an inner tube engaged within an outer tube and locked with a stop.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a portable wall with a fabric layer of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portable wall with a fire-retardant coating of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of at least one illumination device within a shelter of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention provides an inhabitable and portable living space that may be assembled in a variety of settings. The present invention is a modular shelter structure that provides a safe and comfortable housing that may be used for permanent living situations or outdoor activities such as camping. The present invention is easily assembled and disassembled, facilitating any transportation of the present invention. In order for the present invention to serve as sustainable housing for at least one individual, the present invention comprises a shelter 1, a plurality of first locking mechanisms 22, and a plurality of second locking mechanisms 23, seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. The shelter 1 provides a safe and comfortable enclosure for a user that shields the user from the surrounding environment. The shelter 1 also provides privacy and security for the user. The shelter 1 comprises a floor base 2, a plurality of portable walls 8, and at least one roof panel 21. The floor base 2 uplifts and stabilizes the shelter 1 from the ground. The floor base 2 provides a flat and safe surface to walking and resting. The plurality of portable walls 8 shields the user and the interior environment defined by a perimeter of the floor base 2. Each of the plurality of portable walls 8 comprises an outer panel 9, an insulation layer 10, and an inner panel 11. The outer panel 9 protects the shelter 1 from elements of the surrounding environment. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer panel 9 is a corrugated metal sheet. The insulation layer 10 maintains the desired temperature within the shelter 1. The insulation layer 10 is preferably made of thermally-insulative material. The inner panel 11 covers the insulation layer 10 within the shelter 1 and is preferably made of a thermally-insulative material. More specifically, the inner panel is preferably a rigid foam-board insulation sheet. The outer panel 9, the insulation layer 10, and the inner panel 11, together, provide structural integrity necessary to uphold the at least one roof panel 21, and consequently, the shelter 1. The at least one roof panel 21 covers the shelter 1 providing coverage from the surrounding environment such as precipitation or sunlight. The floor base 2 and the plurality of portable walls 8 are connected with each other with the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22. Similarly, the plurality of portable walls 8 and the at least one roof panel 21 are connected with each other with the plurality of second locking mechanisms 23. It is understood that in various embodiments of the present invention the each of the plurality of portable walls 8 may be connected with each other with a locking mechanism comparable to that of the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22 and the plurality of second locking mechanisms 23. Similarly, in various embodiments of the present invention, the at least one roof panel 21 may further comprise a plurality of roof panels that interlock with one another with a locking mechanism comparable to that of the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22 and the plurality of second locking mechanisms 23.

The overall configuration of the aforementioned components facilitates the quick assembly and disassembly of a structurally sound housing. The shelter 1 is erected upright as the plurality of portable walls 8 is positioned adjacent with and positioned perpendicular to the floor base 2, seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5. Furthermore, an interior environment of the shelter 1 is defined as the plurality of portable walls 8 is perimetrically distributed around the floor base 2. The insulation layer 10 is mounted in between the outer panel 9 and the inner panel 11, thereby limiting the transfer of heat into and out of the shelter 1 through the plurality of portable walls 8. More specifically, the outer panel 9, the insulation layer 10, and the inner panel 11 are coextensive with each other. A central axis 30 is positioned normal to the floor base 2, and the inner panel 11 is positioned in between the central axis 30 and the outer panel 9. This arrangement positions the inner panel 11 within the shelter 1 and the outer panel 9 along the exterior of the shelter 1. The interior environment is covered as the at least one roof panel 21 is positioned adjacent with the plurality of portable walls 8, opposite the floor base 2. The at least one roof panel 21 is positioned across the plurality of portable walls 8 in order to fully enclose the shelter 1. The shelter 1 is structurally sound as the plurality of portable walls 8 is attached onto the floor base 2 with the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22, as seen in FIG. 5. Likewise, the plurality of portable walls 8 is attached onto the roof panel with the plurality of second locking mechanisms 23, seen in FIG. 4.

The present invention is securely mounted onto the ground regardless of the type of terrain as the floor base 2 comprises a scaffold frame 3, a plurality of joists 6, and at least one floor panel 7, seen in FIG. 3. The scaffold frame 3 balances and mounts into the ground. The plurality of joists 6 support and uphold the floor panel with the scaffold frame 3. The at least one floor panel 7 provides a flat, comfortable surface within the shelter 1 for a user to walk across. Each of the plurality of joists 6 are fixed within the scaffold frame 3, and the plurality of joists 6 is distributed across the scaffold frame 3. This arrangement effectively supports and safe balances the at least one floor panel 7 as well as the weight of the user and any items stored within the shelter 1. Furthermore, the plurality of joists 6 is positioned adjacent with a first base face 4 of the scaffold frame 3 in order for any weight against the at least one floor panel 7 is evenly distributed across the plurality of joists 6. The plurality of portable walls 8 rests upon the first base face 4. More specifically, the plurality of portable walls 8 is positioned adjacent with the first base face 4, opposite the plurality of joists 6. A second base face 5 of the scaffold frame 3 is positioned opposite the first base face 4 about the scaffold frame 3. The second base face 5 pressed against the ground. The user and any items within the shelter 1 does not slip through the plurality of joists 6 as the at least one floor panel 7 is positioned adjacent with the first base face 4 and positioned across the plurality of joists 6. Moreover, the at least one floor panel 7 is mounted within the scaffold frame 3, further providing a safe and structurally sound shelter 1 with the floor base 2.

In order for the plurality of walls to preserve the structural integrity of the present invention while providing an inhabitable shelter 1, each of the plurality of portable walls 8 further comprises a first main post 12, a second main post 13, a first supplementary post 16, a second supplementary post 17, at least one first bolt 18, and at least one second bolt 19, seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5. The first main post 12 and the second main post 13 serve as reinforcements for each of the plurality of portable walls 8 with the at least one roof panel 21. The first supplementary post 16 and the second supplementary post 17 hold together and orient the outer panel 9, the insulation layer 10, and the inner panel 11 with the first main post 12 and the second main post 13, respectively. The at least one bolt presses the outer panel 9, the insulation layer 10, and the inner panel 11 between the first main post 12 and the first supplementary post 16. Similarly, the at least one second bolt 19 presses the outer panel 9, the insulation layer 10, and the inner panel 11 between the second main post 13 and the second supplementary post 17. A height of the interior environment for the shelter 1 is defined as the first main post 12, the second main post 13, the first supplementary post 16, and the second supplementary post 17 traverses from the floor base 2 and the at least one roof panel 21. The first main post 12 and the second main post 13 are positioned opposite to each other across the outer panel 9 and are mounted onto the outer panel 9. This arrangement upholds the outer panel 9 along the exterior of the shelter 1. Similarly, the first supplementary post 16 and the second supplementary post 17 are positioned opposite to each other across the inner panel 11 and are mounted onto the inner panel 11. This arrangement upholds the inner panel 11 along the interior of the shelter 1. The first supplementary post 16 is pressed against the first main post 12 by the at least one first bolt 18, and the second supplementary post 17 is pressed against the second main post 13 by the at least one second bolt 19. This arrangement allows each of the plurality of portable walls 8 to be easily assembled, disassembled, and transported, while providing the necessary structural support and comfortable interior environment within the shelter 1.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first main post 12 and the second main post 13 each comprises a first post end 14 and a second post end 15, seen in FIG. 5. The first post end 14 is positioned adjacent with the floor base 2, and the second post end 15 is positioned adjacent with the at least one roof panel 21. The at least one first bolt 18 is positioned in between the first post end 14 of the first main post 12 and the second post end 15 of the first main post 12. This arrangement evenly and securely connects the first supplementary post 16 with the first main post 12. Likewise, the at least one second bolt 19 is positioned in between the first post end 14 of the second main post 13 and the second post end 15 of the second main post 13. This arrangement evenly and securely connects the second supplementary post 17 with the second main post 13. Moreover, the at least one first bolt 18 traverses through the first main post 12, the outer panel 9, the insulation layer 10, the inner panel 11, and the first supplementary post 16. Similarly, the at least one second bolt traverses through the second main post 13, the outer panel 9, the insulation layer 10, the inner panel 11, and the second supplementary post 17.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of portable walls 8 further comprises a fabric layer 20, seen in FIG. 7. The fabric layer 20 not only enhances a living-space of the interior environment for the shelter 1, but further enhances the safety of the interior environment for the shelter 1. The fabric layer 20 is preferably made of fire-retardant material. The fabric layer 20 is positioned adjacent with the inner panel 11, opposite the insulation layer 10. More specifically, the fabric layer 20 and the inner panel 11 are coextensive to each other. The fabric layer 20 is removably attached onto the inner panel 11, preferably with Velcro patches or Velcro straps, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the present invention with the fabric layer 20. An alternate embodiment of the present invention comprises a fire-retardant coating 31, seen in FIG. 8. The fire-retardant coating 31 provides comparable fire-protection as that of the fabric layer 20 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention without occupying more space within the shelter 1 as that of the fabric layer 20. In order to protect the inner environment of the shelter 1, the fire-retardant coating 31 is applied across the inner panel 11, opposite the insulation layer 10.

In order for the shelter 1 to remain structurally sound while assembled in a variety of outdoor environments, the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22 is distributed around the shelter 1. Furthermore, each of the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22 comprises an inner tube 24 and an outer sleeve 27, seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6. The outer sleeve 27 readily receives the inner tube 24, and the inner tube 24 positions and orients each of the plurality of portable walls 8 with the floor base 2. In order for the inner tube 24 to effectively engage with the outer sleeve 27, the inner tube 24 comprises a first rim 25 and a second rim 26. The first rim 25 is positioned opposite the second rim 26 along the inner tube 24. In order for the inner tube 24 to extend past the first base face 4 of the floor base 2 so that the outer sleeve 27 may engage with the inner tube 24, the second rim 26 is positioned in between the first base face 4 and the second base face 5 of the floor base 2. Moreover, the first rim 25 is positioned offset from the first base face 4. The inner tube 24 is laterally fixed with the floor base 2, and the outer sleeve 27 of each of the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22 is fixed onto a corresponding wall from the plurality of portable walls 8. This arrangement positions each of the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22 outside of the shelter 1 and securely connects the each of the plurality of portable walls 8 with the floor base 2. The inner tube 24 is slidably engaged through the outer sleeve 27 so that each of the plurality of portable walls 8 are readily attached with the floor base 2.

The inner tube 24 and the outer sleeve 27 are locked together as each of the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22 further comprises a slot 28 and a stop 29, seen in FIG. 6. The slot 28 allows the stop 29 to traverse through the inner tube 24 while preserving the structural integrity of the inner tube 24. The stop 29 is preferably a nut, a bolt, and a washer that prevents the outer sleeve 27 from sliding past the first rim 25 of the inner tube 24 by locking into the slot 28. The stop 29 is alternatively a T-slot channel engaged by a cam-locking lever that can similarly prevent the outer sleeve 27 from sliding past the first rim 25 of the inner tube 24 by locking into the slot 28. The slot 28 laterally traverses through the inner tube 24 and is positioned adjacent with the first rim 25. The stop 29 is mounted within the slot 28, securing the position of the outer sleeve 27 around the inner tube 24.

Similar to the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22, the plurality of second locking mechanisms 23 is distributed around the shelter 1 in order to secure the at least one roof panel 21 with the plurality of portable walls 8, seen in FIG. 4. Furthermore, each of the plurality of second locking mechanisms 23 comprises an inner tube 24 and an outer sleeve 27, mirroring the inner tube 24 and the outer sleeve 27 for each of the plurality of first locking mechanisms 22 to that shown in FIG. 6. The outer sleeve 27 readily receives the inner tube 24, and the inner tube 24 positions and orients each of the at least one roof panel 21 with the plurality of portable walls 8. In order for the inner tube 24 to effectively engage with the outer sleeve 27, the inner tube 24 comprises a first rim 25 and a second rim 26. The first rim 25 is positioned opposite the second rim 26 along the inner tube 24. In order for the inner tube 24 to extend past the plurality of portable walls 8 so that the outer sleeve 27 may engage with the inner tube 24, the first rim 25 of each of the plurality of second locking mechanisms 23 is positioned offset from a corresponding portable wall of the plurality of portable walls 8. The inner tube 24 is laterally fixed with the corresponding wall, and the outer sleeve 27 is fixed adjacent onto the at least one roof panel 21. This arrangement positions each of the plurality of second locking mechanisms 23 outside of the shelter 1 and securely connects the each of the at least one roof panel 21 with the plurality of portable walls 8. The inner tube 24 is slidably engaged through the outer sleeve 27 so that each of the at least one roof panel 21 is readily attached with the plurality of portable walls 8.

The inner tube 24 and the outer sleeve 27 are locked together as each of the plurality of second locking mechanisms 23 further comprises a slot 28 and a stop 29. The slot 28 allows the stop 29 to traverse through the inner tube 24 while preserving the structural integrity of the inner tube 24. The stop 29 is preferably a nut, a bolt, and a washer that prevents the outer sleeve 27 from sliding past the first rim 25 of the inner tube 24 by locking into the slot 28. The slot 28 laterally traverses through the inner tube 24 and is positioned adjacent with the first rim 25. The stop 29 is mounted within the slot 28, securing the position of the outer sleeve 27 around the inner tube 24.

The present invention further comprises at least one entrance 32 so that a user may easily and safely enter into and exit out of the shelter 1, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5. The at least one entrance 32 is integrated into a specific wall from the plurality of portable walls 8. The interior environment of the shelter 1 is further enhanced as the present invention further comprises at least one illumination device 33, seen in FIG. 9. The at least one illumination device 33 is positioned within the shelter 1 in order to illuminate the enclosed environment. More specifically, the at least one illumination device 33 is mounted onto the at least one roof panel 21. A power source may also be provided in order for the at least one illumination device 33 to function.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular shelter structure comprises: a shelter; a plurality of first locking mechanisms; a plurality of second locking mechanisms; the shelter comprises a floor base, a plurality of portable walls, and at least one roof panel; each of the plurality of portable walls comprises an outer panel, an insulation layer, and an inner panel; the plurality of portable walls being positioned adjacent with the floor base; the plurality of portable walls being positioned perpendicular to the floor base; the plurality of portable walls being perimetrically distributed around the floor base; the insulation layer being mounted in between the outer panel and the inner panel; the outer panel, the insulation layer, and the inner panel being coextensive with each other; a central axis being positioned normal to the floor base; the inner panel being positioned in between the central axis and the outer panel; the at least one roof panel being positioned adjacent with the plurality of portable walls, opposite the floor base; the at least one roof panel being positioned across the plurality of portable walls; the plurality of portable walls being attached onto the floor base with the plurality of first locking mechanisms; and, the plurality of portable walls being attached onto the roof panel with the plurality of second locking mechanisms.
 2. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the floor base comprises a scaffold frame, a plurality of joists, and at least one floor panel; each the plurality of joists being fixed within the scaffold frame; the plurality of joists being distributed across the scaffold frame; the plurality of joists being positioned adjacent with a first base face of the scaffold frame; a second base face of the scaffold frame being positioned opposite the first base face about the scaffold frame; the plurality of portable walls being positioned adjacent with the first base face, opposite the plurality of joists; the at least one floor panel being positioned adjacent with the first base face; the at least one floor panel being positioned across the plurality of joists; and, the at least one floor panel being mounted within the scaffolding frame.
 3. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of portable walls further comprises a first main post, a second main post, a first supplementary post, a second supplementary post, at least one first bolt, and at least one second bolt; the first main post, the second main post, the first supplementary post, and the second supplementary post traversing from the floor base and the at least one roof panel; the first main post and the second main post being positioned opposite to each other across the outer panel; the first main post and the second main post being mounted onto the outer panel; the first supplementary post and the second supplementary post being positioned opposite to each other across the inner panel; the first supplementary post and the second supplementary post being mounted onto the inner panel; the first supplementary post being pressed against the first main post by the at least one first bolt; and, the second supplementary post being pressed against the second main post by the at least one second bolt.
 4. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 3 comprises: the first main post and the second main post each comprise a first post end and a second post end; the first post end being positioned adjacent with the floor base; the second post end being positioned adjacent with the at least one roof panel; the at least one first bolt being positioned in between the first post end of the first main post and the second post end of the first main post; and, the at least one second bolt being positioned in between the first post end of the second main post and the second post end of the second main post.
 5. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 3 comprises: the at least one first bolt traversing through the first main post, the outer panel, the insulation layer, the inner panel, and the first supplementary post.
 6. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 3 comprises: the at least one second bolt traversing through the second main post, the outer panel, the insulation layer, the inner panel, and the second supplementary post.
 7. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer panel is a corrugated metal sheet.
 8. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner panel is made of a thermally-insulative material.
 9. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulation layer is made of a thermally-insulative material.
 10. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of portable walls further comprises a fabric layer; the fabric layer being positioned adjacent with the inner panel, opposite the insulation layer; the fabric layer and the inner panel being coextensive to each other; and, the fabric layer being removably attached onto the inner panel.
 11. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fabric layer is made of a fire-retardant material.
 12. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a fire-retardant coating; and the fire-retardant coating being applied across the inner panel, opposite the insulation layer.
 13. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the plurality of first locking mechanisms being distributed around the shelter.
 14. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of first locking mechanisms comprises an inner tube and an outer sleeve; the floor base comprises a first base face and a second base face; the inner tube comprises a first rim and a second rim; the first base face being positioned opposite the second base face about the floor base; the plurality of portable walls being positioned adjacent with the first base face; the first rim being positioned opposite the second rim along the inner tube; the second rim being positioned in between the first base face and the second base face; the first rim being positioned offset from the first base face; the inner tube being laterally fixed with the floor base; the outer sleeve of each of the plurality of first locking mechanisms being fixed onto a corresponding wall from the plurality of portable walls; and, the inner tube being slidably engaged through the outer sleeve.
 15. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 14 comprises: each of the plurality of first locking mechanisms further comprises a slot and a stop; the slot laterally traversing through the inner tube; the slot being positioned adjacent with the first rim; and, the stop being mounted within the slot.
 16. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the plurality of second locking mechanisms being distributed around the shelter.
 17. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of second locking mechanisms comprises an inner tube and an outer sleeve; the inner tube comprises a first rim and a second rim; the first rim being positioned opposite the second rim along the inner tube; the first rim of each of the plurality of second locking mechanisms being positioned offset from a corresponding portable wall of the plurality of portable walls; the inner tube being laterally fixed with the corresponding wall; the outer sleeve being fixed adjacent onto the at least one roof panel; and, the inner tube being slidably engaged through the outer sleeve.
 18. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 17 comprises: each of the plurality of second locking mechanisms further comprises a slot and a stop; the slot laterally traversing through the inner tube; the slot being positioned adjacent with the first rim; and, the stop being mounted within the slot.
 19. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 comprises: at least one entrance; and the at least one entrance being integrated into a specific wall from the plurality of portable walls.
 20. The modular shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 comprises: at least one illumination device; the at least one illumination device being positioned within the shelter; and the at least one illumination device being mounted onto the at least one roof panel. 